HINDUISM

• What are the two types of scriptures in Hinduism?

  Shruti and Smriti
• What does the term "Shruti" mean in Hinduism?


  It means "that which is heard"
• What do Shruti scriptures contain?


  Fundamental elements of Hindu philosophy and morality
• What are the four Vedas considered to be?


  Of divine origin as revealed to sages
• Who are the sages that received the truths of the Vedas?

  Rishis
• What are the four types of religious literature in Hinduism?

  • Samhitas: Hymns dedicated to gods and goddesses
  • Brahmanas: Explications of the Samhitas and rituals
  • Aranyakas: Philosophical interpretations of rituals
  • Upanishads: Explanations of general philosophical knowledge
• What does the term "Smriti" mean in Hinduism?


  It means "that which is remembered"
• What are Smriti scriptures considered to be?


  Secondary scriptures
• What are the main Smriti scriptures in Hinduism?


  • Mahabharata: An epic poem about a family war
  • Ramayana: An epic about Rama's battles to save Sita
  • Dharma Shastras: Legal treatises on virtue
  • Bhagavad Gita: A key text in Mahabharata extolling Krishna
  • Puranas: Stories depicting sectarian divisions in Hinduism
• What is the Mahabharata known for?


  It is an epic poem that narrates a family war
• What does the Ramayana depict?


  The battles Rama fought to save his wife Sita
• What do the Dharma Shastras emphasize?


  The importance of practicing virtue
• What is the Bhagavad Gita considered to be?


  An important religious text extolling Krishna
• What do the Puranas depict?


  Sectarian divisions within Hinduism
• Who are the many gods in Hinduism associated with the divine principle?

  • Ganesha
  • Shiva
  • Kali
  • Vishnu
• What is the Trimurthi in Hinduism?


  The three highest deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva
• What does Brahman represent in Hinduism?


  The eternal, uncreated, and all-pervasive Reality
• How is Brahman described in the Vedas?


  As impersonal
• How does the notion of Brahman differ from traditional monotheistic religions?


  It demonstrates belief in a single Absolute Reality interpreted differently
• What is Atman in Hinduism?


  The life principle or essence of life
• Why do Hindus believe that hurting another being is significant?


  Because it ultimately means hurting oneself
• What does Karma mean in Hinduism?


  Action and the consequences of one's action
• What is Samsara in Hinduism?


  The cycle of birth-death-rebirth
• What are the key concepts associated with Hinduism's cycle of existence?

  • Karma: Law of cause and effect
  • Dharma: Duty and righteousness
  • Pursuit of Moksha: Liberation from reincarnation
• Who was Mahatma Gandhi?


  A social activist who attacked the caste system
• What term did Gandhi use for the Shudras?


  Harijans or "children of God"
• What are some major Hindu festivals?

  • Divali: Festival of lights
  • Holi: Festival of spring and colors
  • Dussehra: Victory of Rama over Ravana
  • Makara Sankranti: Festival of the harvest
  • Lohari: Midwinter festival symbolizing rejection of evil
  • Krishna Janmashtami: Celebration of Krishna's birth
  • Maha Shivaratri: Great night of Shiva
  • Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebration of Ganesh's birth
  • Guru Purnima: Festival honoring one's teacher
  • Kumbha Mela: Largest Hindu festival with ritual bathing
• What does Divali celebrate?


  The festival of lights, marking the beginning of the New Year in some regions
• What is the significance of Holi?


  It celebrates the slaying of the demoness Holika by Prahlad
• What does Dussehra commemorate?

  The victory of Rama over the demon Ravana
• When is Makara Sankranti celebrated?


  Every January 14
• What does the festival of Lohari symbolize?


  The symbolic shunning of evil
• What is celebrated during Krishna Janmashtami?


  The birth of Krishna
• What do devotees do during Maha Shivaratri?


  They fast overnight and celebrate with merriment
• What does Ganesh Chaturthi celebrate?


  The birth of Ganesh
• What is Guru Purnima?


  A festival honoring one's teacher
• What is Kumbha Mela known for?


  It is the largest Hindu festival in the world
• What do devotees do during Kumbha Mela?


  They perform ritual bathing and discuss religious matters
• What are the two types of scriptures in Hinduism?

  Shruti and Smriti
• What does the term "Shruti" mean in Hinduism?


  It means "that which is heard"